Charged with four offences: Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson arrives to answer bail at Peterlee police station in County Durham today

Footballer Adam Johnson was today charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one of grooming.

The 27-year-old Sunderland star, who was initially suspended and then reinstated by the club following the allegation, attended Peterlee police station in County Durham earlier today

The Premier League winger was arrested at his mansion on March 2. Durham Police had previously extended his bail for five weeks.

A force spokesman said: ‘Adam Johnson, a professional footballer aged 27 from County Durham, has this afternoon been charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 years old, plus one offence of grooming.

‘Johnson was initially arrested on March 2 and was charged after he answered his police bail today at Peterlee police station. He will appear the magistrates’ court in Peterlee on the morning of May 20.’

The offences alleged to have been committed by Johnson - whose long-time girlfriend Stacey Flounders gave birth to a daughter in January - date from last December to this February.

Gerry Wareham, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North East, said: ‘Following an investigation by Durham Police, I have today authorised police to charge Adam Johnson, aged 27, with four offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The offences are alleged to have been committed on one girl aged 15 at the time.’

Court date: Premier League winger Johnson (centre) will appear at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on May 20

Home: The Premier League winger was arrested at his mansion (pictured) in County Durham on March 2

Winger: Johnson (above, on April 5) has made 31 appearances for Sunderland this season, scoring five goals

Johnson has made 31 appearances for Sunderland this season, scoring five goals. In total he has netted 20 times in 116 games for the club, including the winner at Newcastle in December’s derby.

Born in Sunderland, Johnson - who has has played 12 times for England - began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then Sunderland for £10million in 2012.

Sunderland have not yet confirmed if the player will still be available for selection, with the club's next match at Stoke City in the Premier League this Saturday.